Five Reasons Why Local Government Should Influence Climate Change Plans

Unless we, as an international community, significantly reduce our carbon emissions by the year 2100, temperatures could soar by 4.8°C. The impact is unimaginable.

This is why all eyes are on the next UN climate talks in Paris in 2015 and expectations are high. During the UN preparatory talks in Lima in December 2014, I represented the Committee of the Regions – the EU’s assembly of local and regional authorities – and demanded that local government be formally recognised as a key player in all future climate negotiations.

The initial talks were promising but the final text was disappointing, with the reference to local government being removed.

But why should local government shape international climate change agreements? Here are five reasons:

1. The buck stops here

Local government is on the front line and is responsible for taking a wide range of decisions that can make or break the success of any international strategy on climate change.

Local authorities are ultimately responsible for making policy a reality. According to UNDP estimates, more than 70% of climate change reduction measures and up to 90% of climate change adaptation measures are undertaken by local government. Projects delivered locally are designed to reflect local circumstances and it is these tailor-made solutions that allow us to take effective action. It is essential for these local experiences to be fed back to the highest decision-making bodies so that obstacles and potential improvements can be identified, saving time and money.

2. Local leaders are more innovative and ambitious

The economic and social impact of climate change on communities cannot be understated. Local governments are leading the fight against climate change, taking decisive action on transport emissions, urban biodiversity, urban regeneration and waste management.

In Europe, the success of programmes such as the Covenant of Mayors –more than 6,000 local and regional authorities representing 191 million people that have agreed to meet and exceed the EU’s 20% CO2 reduction objectives by 2020 – demonstrates that local ambition often overrides the stalling commitment of national governments.

But mitigation is only half the story. The EU’s Mayors Adapt initiative has seen Europe’s local and regional governments already preparing communities to learn how to live with the consequences of climate change. These climate change leaders are a source of inspiration and their voices must be heard when decisions are being taken on what can be done to combat climate change.

3. No one is better placed to get the public on board

One of the key roles local government can play in contributing to a global climate agreement is public engagement and stimulating local action. What is striking at many international climate conferences is how cut off citizens are from the negotiations and decision-making process.

The changes that need to be made will have a real impact on people’s daily lives and it is vital to get the public on board. Local government can be the link between international climate negotiations and the population at large. Tackling climate change can have a wider social impact, especially if local authorities are involved: many initiatives – such as developing green infrastructure or investing in local green energy – bring benefits not only in reducing greenhouse gases but in creating jobs, for example.

4. Strong local leadership can mobilise communities

Strong local leadership and forging partnerships between local governments will cut costs and improve policy delivery. But local government needs support and investment to mobilise communities, businesses and civil society to reduce the impact of climate change. It is these representatives that can bring together economic operators and civil society to turn good ideas into tangible results – cooperatives for local energy production are a good example of this.

Local politicians also facilitate public participation and ensure local people are consulted on projects such as wind farms that affect the landscape. Local coordination must not be neglected by international decision makers. The fight against climate change must be fought by everybody, or it cannot be fought at all.

5. Think local, act global

Local governments can make a difference in international negotiations. While the international process of intergovernmental negotiations has almost ground to a halt, local governments around the world are agreeing on priorities for action. Decentralised cooperation arrangements have been established between regions and towns and cities. This is vital in establishing trust that national governments need to reach an ambitious global agreement.

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